title: [Effects of simulated space rhythm (L:D = 0.75h:0.75h) on circadian rhythm in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis)].
abstract: It is known that contemporary space station revolves at the altitude of 400-500 km in the outer space. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of simulated space rhythm (L:D = 0.75 h:0.75 h) at this altitude on circadian rhythm in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) and the effects of endogenous sleep inducing neuropeptide Asp5-alpha-DSIP on the space-rhythm-entrained circadian rhythm. This primitive stock serves as one species of Tupaiidae and is a unique native of South China. Our previous studies have shown that this species showed striking differences in natural circadian rhythm between day and night (e.g. 3.03 degrees C of rectal temperature). Results showed that the above mentioned space rhythm (L:D = 0.75h:0.75h) could drastically disturb the inherent circadian rhythm of Tupaia belangeri chinensis. The maximal peak of motor activity dropped significantly in the morning (0600-1200) and a new enhanced peak (more than 20 times greater than that of the control) was found between 1800-2400, whereas the maximal trough of motor activity (2400-0600) remained basically unchanged. Concurrently, the total amount of 24-h motor activity was significantly decreased and the recovery after the cessation of space rhythm was slow. Experimental results also demonstrated that consecutive administration of Asp5-alpha-DSIP (30 micrograms/kg, i.p.) for 5 days (2 days before and 3 days during space rhythm) did not prevent the basic disturbance of circadian rhythm of Tupaia belangeri chinensis caused by the space rhythm (L:D = 0.75h:0.75h). Nevertheless, no decrease or even some enhancement of the total amount of 24th motor activity was observed during space rhythm or after its cessation.
authors.affiliation: Shanghai Institute of Physiology, Academia Sinica.
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003701:Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D008297:Male; D014418:Tupaiidae / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D003701:Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide